Tom Patterson
After 32 years of working under the vast Wyoming skies, tending to cattle and braving the rugged terrain, Tom Patterson has traded in his cowboy boots for a quieter life in Gore.
After 32 years of working under the vast Wyoming skies, tending to cattle and braving the rugged terrain, Tom Patterson has traded in his cowboy boots for a quieter life in Gore.
The transition from the expansive ranch lands of Wyoming to the serene countryside of Gore might seem like a significant change, but for Patterson, its a new chapter he welcomes with open arms.
Growing up in Wyoming, Patterson said he was naturally drawn to ranching.
“There’s something about the open land, the cattle, and the hard work that just felt right,” he recalls. At 22, he landed a job on one of the states largest cattle ranches, a position that would shape the next three decades of his life.
Life on the ranch was demanding, yet rewarding. From dawn to dusk, Patterson was involved in every aspect of cattle ranching—from herding and branding to managing the day-to-day operations.
“Ranching isn’t just a job; it’s a way of life,” he said. “It teaches you discipline, respect for the land, and the importance of working as a team.”
Over the years, Patterson became a respected figure in the Wyoming ranching community. His expertise and dedication earned him the trust of his peers, and he played a crucial role in maintaining the ranch’s success. But after 32 years of the relentless demands of ranch life, he knew it was time to hang up his hat and retire.
“When you’ve spent that much time doing something, it becomes a part of you,” he reflects. “But I was ready for a change, ready to find a place where I could slow down and enjoy life at a different pace.”
That place turned out to be Gore, a small town with a close-knit community and a landscape that, while different from Wyoming, offered its own kind of beauty. Patterson and his wife, Linda, who had longed to be closer to family, found a piece of land in Gore that reminded them of home—quiet, peaceful and full of potential.
“Moving to Gore felt right,” he said. “It’s a small town with good people, and we’ve been welcomed with open arms. It’s different from the ranch, but it’s exactly what we were looking for.”
While Patterson may have retired from ranching, he hasn’t lost his connection to the land. He spends his days maintaining their property, dabbling in small-scale farming, and sharing his knowledge with anyone interested in ranching or agriculture.
“I might be retired, but I still love working with my hands and being outside,” he said.
Despite his years of dedication to cattle ranching, Patterson now jokes that he never wants to see another cow—unless it’s on his dinner plate.
“After 32 years, I’ve seen enough cows to last a lifetime,” he laughs. “These days, I prefer them medium- rare.”
The Pattersons have quickly become part of the Gore community, contributing their time and experience to local events and enjoying the slower pace of life. For Patterson, the move to Gore is not just about retirement; it’s about embracing a new way of life while carrying forward the values and lessons learned from his years on the ranch.
“I’ve lived a good life, and I’m grateful for all the experiences I’ve had,” he said. “Wyoming will always be a part of me, but I’m happy to call Gore home now. It’s a new adventure, and I’m excited to see where it takes us.”
Just Folks is Your TIMES way of honoring the regular people of Sequoyah County, recognizing their unique talents, personalities, jobs, abilities, etc. Your TIMES appreciates the cooperation of each Just Folks and the public’s nominations for this feature. If you know of someone you think might be a good story, contact Amie at 918-775-4433.
